Expert: Michael Radi - 1/22/2009

Question
I recently bought a Waltham winding clock, and it was keeping time, but now it looses about 15 to 20 minutes a day.  I tried adjusting the pendulum, but that didn't work.  I also found a small red plastic piece shaped like a tiny bell with a tiny nail through the center inside the clock.  It was laying beside my key in the bottom of the clock.  Not sure if this may be part of my problem.
Any suggestions?

Answer
It's either in the pendulum length or the hands are not tracking with the movement for some reason.
How do you adjust the pendulum? Is it from the face of the clock with a key or is it via a nut at the bottom of the pendulum?
As for the bell looking piece with a nail through it; I can't picture that very well. If its a small head like a thumb tack it was probably pressed into the bottom of the clock case. You would put a rubber band on it and attach the other side of the rubber band to the pendulum hanger for transport.
Can you send me a photo of it?
Michael